The Liberator Episode 47 ‘Pinot Haze’ Pinot Noir 2024 Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

The Liberator is Richard Kelley MW’s parcel-rescue label, known for playful names and hand-drawn cartoon art. ‘Pinot Haze’ is a musical pun delivered with a straight face, describing more or less exactly what you find in the bottle.

The fruit comes from the cool, high vineyards of Elgin, one of South Africa’s most reliable homes for elegant, perfumed Pinot Noir. In keeping with the label’s spirit, the source producer stays under wraps, which is all part of the fun of a liberated parcel and lets a good grower quietly move a small lot of characterful wine.

A fresh 2024, this is a young Pinot caught early, all bright fruit and nervous energy. It was made without fining or filtration, which gives it a deliberately hazy, natural appearance and a little extra texture in the glass.

Expect vivid red cherry and wild strawberry with an earthy, spicy undertone. At a modest 13% alcohol it is light-bodied, fresh and gently grippy, with a drink-me-now charm rather than heavy structure or oak. This is Pinot as refreshment as much as reflection. Cool-climate Cape Pinot Noir has become one of the country’s quiet success stories, and Elgin in particular has built a growing name for exactly this kind of bright, perfumed, lighter style.

This is one for the adventurous drinker who leans towards a more natural, low-intervention style, or anyone who loves cool-climate Pinot with a sense of humour. Serve it lightly chilled with charcuterie, roast duck, or earthy mushroom dishes, and drink it young while its fruit is in full song.